Tug Of Law (Bernadette Mackenna Cases Book 4)

by D. R. Bailey

  “What happened after your chastisement?”

  “Oh well, we fucked each other’s brains out, it was so fucking hot. I’m fairly worn out, to be honest.”

  “I’m glad, for you. I mean sorry about your backside though.”

  “Oh, it’ll be fine, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me, it will remind me never to keep such secrets from D’Arcy again.”

  “I do worry though, darling.”

  “Well, I’m OK.”

  “What about Shane though? Callum says he’s gay.”

  “God, I don’t know what to think, he must be bisexual perhaps because I can tell you he certainly enjoyed fucking me… so…”

  “You’re not still thinking about that, are you?” Bernadette said with concern.

  “No, oh no. That incident left me cold, scared even, I didn’t know what he was going to do.”

  “D’Arcy showed him.”

  “She certainly did,” Imogen laughed.

  It was a topic to return to at some point, Bernadette felt but for now, she changed the subject.

  “So, we’re almost done with Callum’s case.”

  “Yes.”

  “We’ll need another big case.”

  “No, what you need is your honeymoon, so we don’t need another big case to make you not want to go, darling,” Imogen said firmly.

  “Yes, you’re right.”

  “You and Eve need to go, and soon. I can hold the fort, there is nothing pressing.”

  “No, gosh, you’re right, we have to.”

  “Exactly, so I’m going to liaise with Eve about this, as you’re hopeless, darling, and arrange it all.”

  “Honestly, you two… so bossy,” said Bernadette, squeezing her hand affectionately.

  “But you love it, and you need it, because you are all about work, and if we don’t make you take the holiday you won’t do it.”

  “Thank you, I love you.”

  “I love you too, and so does, Eve.”

  ✽✽✽

  The morning of the court judgement arrived. Bernadette showered and Eve put her hair into a ponytail. She had laid out a charcoal skirt suit with a pink blouse for Bernadette, and a pair of black wedge mules. Bernadette went downstairs for breakfast. Eve was dressed in a crème knit midi dress which she would top with a blue cotton jacket. She was wearing white thong mules with kitten heels.

  She slid a plate of poached eggs on toast, bacon and mushroom, with a hollandaise sauce.

  “Yummy,” said Bernadette picking up her cutlery.

  “Something different for today.” Eve passed her a cup of coffee, and sat down with her own plate.

  “Thank you for coming with me.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world, darling, and plus you promised the media a kiss, and kiss they shall have.”

  “You’re the best wife.”

  “No, you are.”

  They laughed, and Bernadette went back to eating her breakfast.

  “Do you think you are going to win, today? Because I think you are,” said Eve after a few moments.

  “Have you worked your magic, you witch, is that what you’re saying?”

  “Wait and see.” Eve’s eyes twinkled.

  “I love you so much.”

  “I’m looking forward to our holiday. Our honeymoon.”

  “Me too.”

  “Let’s go,” said Bernadette draining her coffee, while Eve put the empty plates in the dishwasher.

  “Not until you kiss me, goodbye.”

  “But you’re coming with me,” Bernadette protested, but it was only half hearted.

  “And?”

  “Come here then, witch.”

  ✽✽✽

  Bernadette, Eve and Imogen arrived at the court in good time. On the steps were more press than ever, and a massive demonstration of “Free Callum” supporters blowing whistles, banging drums, shouting and yelling slogans. The Garda were out in force keeping them on the pavement. Bernadette was heartened by all of this support, perhaps it was a good omen after all.

  They pushed past the throng and into the court. Callum and Rhys were waiting, and the four of them headed to the courtroom.

  “Well,” said Callum, before they walked in, “This is either my last hour of freedom or my first hour free of worry.”

  “Have faith, chin up,” said Bernadette putting a hand on his arm.

  “I’ll try.”

  “I don’t know what I’ll do if he’s sent to England,” said Rhys tearing up.

  “Come on, now,” said Imogen, “It’s not over until it’s over.”

  “You’re right,” said Rhys pulling himself together with a visible effort.

  “Ready then, let’s go.” Bernadette led them in, and Eve went to sit with Rhys on the front benches. Bernadette and Imogen took their places, and Callum went to the dock. Shortly afterwards Shane and Mason walked into the courtroom. Shane did not look in their direction, but Mason nodded at them affably enough. It wasn’t his neck on the line after all. Shane had sent a written apology to Imogen as promised, and they now had this on file. They wrote back with a strongly worded letter warning him if it ever happened again, they would take action against him.

  As far as Bernadette and Imogen were concerned, this was an end to it. Imogen had also put the whole fancying Shane thing behind her. Bernadette reflected sometimes it needed a dramatic happening to change things.

  She laid these reflections aside, as the Tipster came into the courtroom to announce the arrival of the judge. Justice Brannigan sat down at his bench and swept his gaze around the courtroom.

  “Ah, so we’re all here? Excellent. Now, this is going to be the judgement in the case of the DDP versus Callum Jenkins. Thank you all for bearing with me, there were a number of matters to consider and I have done so, I’ve now reached a conclusion which I shall deliver.”

  He paused to look at his notes and then continued.

  “A case of extradition is obviously complex and difficult at times. The offence must be punishable by imprisonment in Ireland and by a sentence of at least a year. There must be intention to charge and pursue a prosecution, not merely to investigate. It must not be a political offense and cannot carry the death penalty.”

  Justice Brannigan took a sip of water and perused his notes again.

  “In the case of the DPP versus Callum Jenkins, the offence with which he will be charged carries a sentence of fourteen years in the UK and is similarly an offence in Ireland. The offence of trafficking for sexual purposes is not a political offense and the death penalty is not involved. Therefore, as regards the law, this extradition request meets the conditions of Irish law. However, and here is the nub, we don’t simply release our citizens to the United Kingdom, or anywhere for that matter, just upon their say so. The court must be convinced there are reasonable grounds on which to charge the person in question. We can only view those potential charges were they to be laid in Ireland. Our laws or similar and so the comparison is not, if you’ll pardon the pun, out of court.”

  He stopped again, chuckled at his own joke and glanced around the room. Everyone was very attentive.

  “Whilst this is not a trial, as such, it is a hearing to examine the evidence which has been brought before it. The prosecution alleges Mr Jenkins has committed the offence with which the Crown Prosecution in the United Kingdom intend to charge him, and this is mainly based upon the evidence of a Mr Clinton who as we have been made aware has confessed to being involved in the crime himself. The prosecution’s assertion is that Mr Clinton’s testimony must be valid since he wouldn’t name Mr Jenkins unless there was some truth to it, for fear of losing his own advantage by turning Queen’s evidence. The court accepts there is some validity to this argument.”

  Shane looked pleased on hearing this, Bernadette noticed, but the judge was carrying on.

  “I said, some validity. However, the burden of proof is on the prosecution as it alway
s is in this country, and therefore to gain a conviction the court must be satisfied that their case is proven beyond reasonable doubt. It is the same with this hearing even though, as I said, it is not a trial. With this particular case, we firstly have Mr Jenkins, who is adamant he is innocent and knew nothing about the crime. He drove the truck, and nobody is denying that including Mr Jenkins himself. He was in a sexual relationship with Mr Clinton and neither of them is denying that either. However, that circumstance does not amount to proof Mr Jenkins knew about the offences being committed. Any idea that he would know, simply because he was in a relationship, is an assumption and not a fact. In addition, we heard from two defence witnesses who brought evidence to say Mr Jenkins was not known to be present within the bounds of their knowledge when the Vietnamese women were loaded onto the truck before being taken to the United Kingdom.”

  Shane was now down in the mouth, and Bernadette began to be reasonably hopeful of a good resolution.

  “In any case, one could obviously say that even though these witnesses vouched for Mr Jenkins not being present, he could still be aware of the crime. However, no evidence has been thus far presented which indicate this to be true. Again, it could be an assumption, but an assumption without evidence is still… an assumption. So, based upon the evidence which has been presented and heard in court, the decision has to be made upon whether or not it is beyond reasonable doubt Mr Jenkins was involved. That is, in the end, all it can be based on. No assumptions, or what might or might not be, but simply the evidence as we have seen it and as we have heard it.”

  He paused once more. This last had been delivered with much authoritative weight. Bernadette was impressed by the way Justice Brannigan had laid it all out. There was an air of anticipation now, as the judge seemed to be winding up.

  “My view, having heard the evidence, and all submissions from both parties, is that there is more than just reasonable doubt about this offence, the doubt is very clear. On the balance of probabilities, it is my view Mr Jenkins was not aware of the crime being committed. Therefore, it is my decision that the extradition request be dismissed. I cancel the bail conditions. Mr Jenkins, you are free to go. Case dismissed.”

  Justice Brannigan stood up without further ado, and the Tipster rushed in to call everyone to rise. With a brief nod to the court in general, he left the room. There was an immediate uproar and massive stampede for the door, in order to get whatever statements could be obtained from the participants.

  Shane stalked out of the courtroom as soon as the judgement had been given. Leaving Mason to wander over and proffer his hand to Bernadette.

  “Well played,” he said, “Great defence, you’re everything they say you are and more.”

  “Thank you,” said Bernadette, “That’s magnanimous of you.”

  “I’m just telling it like it is. I can recognise talent when I see it. You certainly have it. As far it as goes for us, you win some, you lose some. We won’t appeal this, there’s no point. Mr Clinton is going to find he’s going down for a lot more than he expected after all.”

  This didn’t bode well for their witness who would now feel the hammer of the British justice system fully on his shoulders.

  “Thanks.” Bernadette smiled.

  “I’m sorry about Shane. I gather he wrote to you, and I can only apologise again.”

  “It’s not your fault,” said Imogen.

  “He’s my friend, but I’ve no idea what got into him. Anyway, thanks for not ruining his career.”

  “I’m not vindictive,” said Imogen, “But he can’t do it again.”

  “He won’t, believe me, in fact, I may have convinced him to return to the UK, made him an offer he can’t refuse.”

  “It’s probably for the best, if so. We won’t say anything, but word gets around, you know how it is,” said Bernadette.

  “Indeed, I certainly do. Anyway, nice meeting you and thanks again for the lunch.”

  With that, he strode away. Their attention was claimed by Callum and Rhys who were jubilant at the result and insisted on hugging them both. Then Eve came to give them a hug too. Olivia arrived and the process was repeated again to much laughter.

  “Well done,” said Olivia, “You got the right result.”

  “Thanks,” said Bernadette.

  “I didn’t see Oisin in court today or the other days,” Imogen observed suddenly remembering.

  “Oh, haven’t you heard?” Olivia said smiling.

  “Heard what?”

  “It was on the news this morning, Oisin Kavanaugh was arrested for involvement in sex trafficking. Yes, we uncovered evidence during our investigation which led us right back to him. He ran for cover, but we tracked him down and nailed him.”

  “Well, I’ll be,” said Bernadette, “No wonder he wanted to bury it.”

  “It comes home to roost,” Olivia laughed, “Your friend DCS Brogan is over the moon.”

  “I must give him a ring.”

  “Not now,” said Eve, “We’ve got to give the press what they are waiting for.”

  “Yes, let’s go and do this thing.”

  Outside the court, a huge cheer arose when Bernadette appeared with Callum and the others. Bernadette, as usual, held up her hand for hush.

  “I am pleased to say justice was done today. An innocent man was prevented from being extradited on what was a flimsy case. However flimsy it was, though, it had to fought and it had to be opposed. We cannot allow our citizens to be taken to another country and prosecuted for offences they did not commit. What happened today was the right judgement and a sound one. That is what we came for and we got the result for Callum. I couldn’t be more pleased for him and his father. If we do not stand for justice, if we do not protect the innocent then who will? Thank you.”

  Another cheer went up, and the reporters yelled out, “What about the kiss, you promised us a kiss.”

  “I always keep my promises,” said Bernadette with a smile gathering Eve up into her arms and kissing her soundly while the cameras were popping off nineteen to the dozen. To make it even more spectacular Bernadette leaned Eve back in the classic movie pose and the reporters all shouted their approval. They finished kissing at length and the next thing the media wanted was to interview Callum and Rhys.

  “Go for it,” said Bernadette, “And go and talk to your fans.”

  The “Free Callum” movement were going wild with jubilation down below now they had heard the judgement.

  “You must come over for tea again, soon,” said Rhys as they said goodbye on the steps.

  Bernadette, Imogen and Eve hurried away leaving the press with Callum and Rhys, who would no doubt be busy for some time to come. It would very likely help his business too, Bernadette mused, as they reached the car. Imogen jumped in the back, and Eve in the front. Bernadette gunned the engine and pulled away heading for the office.

  “So, now that’s over, you are going on holiday,” Imogen announced.

  “I am?”

  “Yes, it’s all arranged.”

  “Isn’t it exciting, our first real holiday together?” said Eve.

  “God yes, I’m looking forward to it.”

  Bernadette reached over and Eve took her hand, just they always did. Bernadette smiled. It had certainly been an excellent day and it was set to get even better.

  ✽✽✽

  A week later, Bernadette laid back in her first-class seat on a Cathay Pacific flight to Hong Kong where they would transfer to a flight for Phuket. It had been a tearful departure at Dublin airport where D’Arcy and Imogen had dropped them off.

  “You have the best time,” said D’Arcy, “Though I’m going to miss you both so much.”

  “I’ll miss you too,” said Imogen, “Our morning chats.”

  “Will you be OK? We’ve been over everything, haven’t we?” said Bernadette with a worried expression.

  “One hundred times,” Imogen laughed, “Now go, and see you in two
weeks.”

  “Email me if there’s a problem.”

  “I won’t… now, please… darling, get on the damn plane.”

  “Come on, sweetheart!” said Eve laughing.

  They embraced and kissed their friends and walked through to the departure gate. From then on it had been a different world. The First-Class lounge and then onto the plane. They both enjoyed the luxury of it all, and the service. Eve was just across the aisle in her own seat. However, she did not remain there for long. After the evening meal had been served, she slid across to snuggle up with Bernadette.

  “Did you miss me, over there?” Bernadette smiled.

  “Yes, and don’t think you’re sleeping on your own, because you’re not,” Eve told her.

  “Oh good, because I’d miss you too much,” Bernadette sighed, “I’ve never been on anything like this, it’s amazing.”

  “How the other half live,” Eve giggled.

  “Yes, rather nice though, I could get used to it.”

  “It was very kind of D’Arcy and Imogen to treat us to such a generous gift.”

  “You’re right, we must take them back something nice. A nice present.”

  “D’Arcy told me the best present was making us happy.”

  “She said that?”

  “Yes, she’s a generous soul and you know it.”

  “I do,” said Bernadette with a sigh, “She’s grown on me for sure. I love them both so much.”

  “I do too, but I love you more.”

  “I love you and the best present of all is going on holiday with you, my darling.”

  “Our first ever as wife and wife.”

  “Yes, and it’s the most wonderful feeling in the world.”

  “You are my world,” said Eve tilting up her head for a kiss. Bernadette obliged her and as the heady sensations of Eve’s sweet lips took over, it seemed just for a little while that her worries melted away. Ahead of them was sun, sea, sand and sex. Bernadette was looking forward to it all, and particularly the sex.

  “What are you thinking?” Eve asked her when their lips parted.

  “About sex.”

  “So was I,” Eve giggled.